Pit Boss Pro Series 1150
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The Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 is the pellet grill that makes Traeger buyers question their receipts. At $899, it delivers 1,150 sq in of cooking space, a PID controller, WiFi connectivity, and a sliding flame broiler for direct-flame searing — a combination that costs $1,400+ from other brands.
What We Love
- +Massive 1,150 sq in cooking area across three racks
- +Sliding flame broiler for 1,000°F direct-flame searing
- +PID controller holds temps within ±15°F
- +WiFi-enabled controller with Pit Boss app
- +30 lb pellet hopper for overnight cooks
- +Heavy-gauge steel with porcelain-coated grates
Watch Out For
- −App is basic compared to Traeger WiFIRE
- −Assembly takes 2+ hours and requires two people
- −Paint finish can chip around the firepot over time
- −Grease management system needs frequent cleaning
- −Slightly uneven heat on the upper rack
Specifications
Cooking Area
1,150 sq in total
Temp Range
180°F – 500°F (1,000°F with flame broiler)
Hopper
30 lbs
Controller
PID with WiFi
Construction
Heavy-gauge steel, porcelain-coated grates
Weight
178 lbs
Warranty
5 years
The Full Review
The Pro Series 1150 is the model that cemented Pit Boss as a legitimate premium contender rather than just a value brand. The cooking area is genuinely enormous — I've fit two 15-pound briskets on the main grate with ribs on the upper rack and sausages on the top shelf. For competition teams, caterers, or anyone who cooks for crowds, the capacity is a game-changer.
The sliding flame broiler is the headline feature. Pull the lever and the heat diffuser slides aside, exposing the burn pot's open flame directly to the grates. This isn't marketing — I've measured 980°F at grate level with the broiler open. Reverse-seared steaks go from a 225°F smoke to a 60-second-per-side sear without changing grills. The flavor is closer to charcoal than any other pellet grill I've tested.
The PID controller is a significant upgrade over older Pit Boss models. Set 225°F for a brisket and the grill holds ±15°F through moderate weather. In cold Minnesota conditions, the swings widen to ±25°F, which is acceptable but not class-leading. A thermal blanket ($60 aftermarket) tightens that up considerably in winter.
WiFi connectivity works through the Pit Boss app, which is functional but unpolished. You can monitor temps, adjust setpoints, and receive alerts — but the interface is clunky and the graphing is limited. If you live on your phone during cooks, Traeger's WiFIRE is still the gold standard. If you set it and forget it, the Pit Boss app is perfectly adequate.
The 30 lb hopper is the largest in its class. I've run a 16-hour overnight brisket cook in October and still had pellets left in the morning. For anyone who does overnight smokes regularly, the extra capacity removes the anxiety of waking up to an empty hopper.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest pellet grill rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 (this) | 4.5 | $899 | Pit Boss's flagship pellet smoker — 1,150 sq in, PID control, and direct-flame searing at a price that still undercuts Traeger's mid-tier. |
| Recteq RT-700 | 4.7 | $899 | The direct-to-consumer pellet grill with a cult following. |
| Green Mountain Grills Daniel Boone Prime Plus | 4.6 | $899 | GMG's mid-range pellet flagship — true PID controller, Wi-Fi, and a peaked lid that fits a turkey. |
Who Is It For?
Large-family cooks and entertainers who need maximum cooking area without jumping to a $2,000+ pellet grill. Competition teams who want PID control and WiFi monitoring on a budget. Pellet-curious buyers who want searing capability without buying a separate gas grill. Value-conscious shoppers who compare spec sheets before buying.
Final Verdict
The Pit Boss Pro Series 1150 is the best large-capacity pellet grill under $1,000. The 1,150 sq in cooking area, direct-flame searing, and 30 lb hopper are features that competitors charge $400-600 more for. If app polish isn't your top priority, this is the buy. See how it compares head-to-head with the Traeger Ironwood in our [Pit Boss Pro 1150 vs Traeger Ironwood XL comparison](/compare/pit-boss-pro-1150-vs-traeger-ironwood-xl). For the full category ranking, visit our [best pellet grills buyer's guide](/best-of/best-pellet-grills).
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